A transient sinusoidal fetal heart rate pattern may occur after administering which medication?

The transient sinusoidal fetal heart rate pattern can indeed be associated with the administration of butorphanol, which is an opioid analgesic used for pain relief in labor. The transient sinusoidal pattern is characterized by a smooth, undulating waveform and can sometimes indicate fetal distress or a response to medication. In the case of butorphanol, its effects on the central nervous system can alter fetal heart rate patterns, leading to this type of variability.

It is essential to recognize that although other medications may also affect fetal heart rate patterns, transient sinusoidal patterns are most directly tied to butorphanol’s action. For instance, while magnesium sulfate may lead to changes in fetal heart rate patterns typically associated with fetal depression, it does not typically cause a sinusoidal pattern. Similarly, terbutaline, which is a tocolytic medication, and oxytocin, which stimulates uterine contractions, have their respective effects on the fetal heart rate but do not specifically correlate with the transient sinusoidal pattern. Understanding these pharmacological effects helps in monitoring fetal well-being and making informed decisions during labor management.